20 Things to Do Instead of Scrolling (Cozy, Offline Ideas)

We all find ourselves mindlessly scrolling our phones (and sometimes doomscrolling) in our free time, yeah? It’s something nearly everyone struggles with, and it’s something I’m constantly working on. When I’m glued to my phone more often, I notice my anxiety is worse, and I know I’m not alone in that. So today, I’m sharing the things I’ve been doing to stop reaching for my phone in the quiet moments. There are plenty of things to do instead of scrolling social media and the news… I promise.

I know “analog” and “offline” are buzzwords these days, but I really do miss when doing things by hand, without an internet connection, was just the norm. If you do too, I think you’ll love this list.

And yes, you may notice a pattern in the tips below: embracing your inner child every once in a while. They’re still in there, and they deserve play and joy just for the sake of it!

This list will include Amazon affiliate links. Thank you for your support!

#1: Write a reasonable TBR list.

It’s one thing to think “I should read that” or simply pick up a book… or its an entirely different (and enjoyable) experience to intentionally write down what you want to read over the next few months or even year. I love to make seasonal book lists and choose a few that feel perfect for whatever season or holiday is around the corner.

And yes, rather than type it into your Notes app, make yourself a nice beverage, sit down, and enjoy putting pencil to paper. Keep it somewhere you’ll see it often so you’ll be reminded and encouraged to keep reading.

Some book recommendations to get you inspired:

#2: Build a book nook puzzle.

Have you seen these book nook puzzles? I stumbled upon one and now I can’t get it out of my head. It looks perfect for wintery nights when you love nothing more than staying in with your own company.

#3: Make a nostalgic or aesthetic playlist like its 2004.

I know what you are thinking. But isn’t that online? Yes, eventually… but make a whole thing of it. Remember those days when we would spend all our time burning CDs and decorating the blank disk, writing out the track list… we can still do that.

Take a moment to sit with pen and paper and truly write out a 18-20 song tracklist (because that was typically the limit!) This already makes things more interesting because you really have to cherry-pick the very best. You can also doodle or draw out a cover to upload!

And then yes, eventually create your tracklist in Spotify and upload your unique artwork. But hey… bonus points if you do still have the technology to burn a CD!!

#4: Write a letter to a loved one.

I recently read The Correspondent by Virginia Evans, where an woman exclusively writes letters and emails to her friends, authors, or anyone else she happens to come by. It made me immediately want to sit down and write to a friend. So why don’t we? Letter writing is a lost and forgotten art and deserves our time.

#5: Give an adult coloring book a try.

Remember how simple and happy life was when you were coloring as a child? Get back those carefree and peaceful feelings by choosing a coloring book to enjoy. They aren’t only for kids! I like this series of cozy coloring books and these markers are affordable, as well. Crayons or colored pencils also work!!

#6: Steep and sip tea while enjoying the silence of the moment.

This is a simple thing that takes minimal effort but simply steep your tea using all your senses. Feel the gentle kiss of steam, the warm cup in your hands, the first sip. For a moment, enjoy the stillness and silence. This is one mindful moment you can savor every day – a beautiful ritual.

#7: Try a new adult Play-Doh kit.

Have you seen these flower arrangement kits? Yes, Play-Doh is now officially marketing to adults. Grab a kit and let life feel like you are 5 again. No texts, no calls, no worries. Just happiness.

#8: Escape reality but with a fantasy novel.

Have you ever read a fantasy novel? Maybe it’s your favorite genre and I don’t have to tell you twice, or maybe you are afraid to dip your toe into it. I am here to tell you that fantasy can feel like a true escape when things in life feel hard. New worlds, magic systems, flawed yet inspiring characters. Dragons, if you are lucky!! There is nothing quite like being whisked away from your living room and placed within the pages.

Bonus points if you put on fantasy music ambiance in the background while you read. Then it really feels like an experience.

#10: Do a sticker puzzle.

I have recently found a few really cute sticker puzzles and activities and honestly, they aren’t just for kids. They can feel very meditative and relaxing for adults, too.

#11: Build a flower out of LEGO.

Any LEGO project will suffice, but these flower arrangements were too beautiful to pass up. It’s a fun and nostalgic project.

#12: Walk.

Yes. Just walk. Go on a notice walk and spy the little things happening in nature. Take a walk on a rainy day with your umbrella and boots instead of staying indoors. Take a color walk in the neighborhood and see how many yellow things you can find out in the wild. It can be easy to fill quiet moments with scrolling but I encourage you to try and replace those moments with a walk. Your mind and body will thank you.

#13: Try a new local coffee shop and people watch.

When is the last time you went into a coffee shop, ordered a cup to stay, and sat down without a laptop or device in tow? Go for the sake of sitting and watching the world around you. This is especially comforting on a rainy day. It may feel funny and unnatural at first… and that is precisely why we should exercise this muscle of being undistracted and present more.

#14: Invest in a few brain teaser puzzles.

If you look up brain teaser puzzles, you can certainly take your pick and then keep it around for moments of boredom. This one in particular is so fun – like offline Tetris!

#15: Play Bananagrams with yourself.

This is so low-key and underrated. Bananagrams is a game where you challenge yourself to word puzzles. When you have the entire bag to yourself, it is really fun!

#16: Start a jigsaw puzzle and leave it out while you slowly work on it.

There are so many beautiful jigsaw puzzles. Find one that makes you happy and slowly work on it over time. You can leave it on a table you aren’t using regularly or grab a roll-up mat.

#17: Keep a reading journal.

Maybe you are like me and use GoodReads to track the books you’ve read and your ratings, but have you considered a reading journal? One that you keep by your bedside and quickly jot down your thoughts and feelings, pen to paper? This can be as simple as you want it to be or as elaborate. You could decorate it yourself, add doodles, stars, stickers, whatever you want. It makes for a nice keepsake, too.

#18: Make a mug cake and savor it.

Stop scrolling before bed and make yourself a little sweet treat for one. Mug cakes are super easy and should be savored… maybe by candlelight with some background music!

#19: Cook or bake something delicious while you watch your favorite cooking show.

This is half offline, but it feels nostalgic because do you remember your mom with the cooking show on in the kitchen while she made dinner? Jotting down notes and following along? Whether you make what Ina Garten is making or simply have her as a background friend while you cook or bake, it elevates the experience and makes it feel a little more like the 90s… (that we miss oh so much).

#20: Find an analog hobby that you love (or a few!)

Can you tell… many of these suggestions are simply hobbies to pick up that don’t involve your phone. And the beautiful thing is, there is a hobby (or multiple) for everyone!!

I have a whole list of cozy hobbies if you need ideas to feel inspired. Choose something you know will make you happy or try something completely new. You might surprise yourself.

*Bonus Tips*

Maybe you don’t need to go completely screen-free, but you don’t want to be scrolling social media. A few bonus ideas that are not offline, but better than doomscrolling!

Play a cozy video game. Sure, a screen… but hey, you are using your brain in a way that feels better than doomscrolling! Creativity, problem solving, strategy… there are certainly benefits. My favorite cozy video games lately are Animal Crossing (forever), Stardew Valley, and Tiny Bookshop.

Play on the NYT Games App.

You are on your phone but you want to avoid social media and so my recommendation is to play a few brain games on the NYT Games app. While there are in-app purchases available, I play the free version and do Wordle, Connnections, Pips, and Strands. Fun and a feeling of accomplishment!

Watch a game show while you sip a warm beverage.

Stop watching random reels and put on a good ‘ol fashioned game show like Jeopardy or Family Feud. It feels like old times and hey, who doesn’t love yelling out the answers?

Keep busy with a fidget toy or slime.

If you find yourself mindlessly scrolling while you are watching TV at night, especially during ads, keep your hands busy instead. Find a fidget toy that you love (Needohs are worth the hype) or some therapeutic slime.

✨You may also love: